Kyoto, with its elegant atmosphere, is a representative Japanese tourist spot highly appreciated by foreign tourists. Kyoto, once the imperial capital, has a history of accumulating various cultures, including numerous shrines and temples.
Kyoto has focused on restoration and preservation to protect its traditional landscape. Thanks to these efforts, the traditional Japanese streetscape remains today, and entertainment based on traditional culture has also developed.
There are museums and interactive facilities that inherit Japanese culture from over 1,000 years ago, such as ninjas and samurai, conveying Japanese history and culture to visitors.
Among these, Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Kyoto Studio Park) stands out, recreating the streetscape of the era when samurai and ninjas were active, and is currently used as a set for movies and dramas.
In this article, we'll introduce the charm of Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, an interactive theme park where you can enjoy traditional Japanese culture and entertainment.
Japan has "Movie Villages" where you can experience the world of movies and anime
In Japan, there are interactive theme park facilities called "Eigamura" (Movie Villages) where you can experience a world that feels like you've jumped into movies or anime.
The charm of these facilities is the immersive feeling of becoming one of the characters yourself.
In these facilities, movie and anime sets are faithfully recreated. Visitors can immerse themselves in that world, freely walk around the shooting sets as if they were characters, and experience action scenes.
Japanese movie and anime culture is highly popular worldwide, and the number of tourists visiting Japan seeking its charm is increasing. For fans of Japanese movies and anime, movie villages are truly dream-like spaces.
Experience the streetscape at "Toei Uzumasa Eigamura"
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is a facility operated by "Toei," a leading movie production and distribution company in the Japanese film industry.
At Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, period drama shooting sets are faithfully recreated, and actual movies and dramas are sometimes filmed here. While feeling the real atmosphere of ongoing filming, you can experience Japanese culture, scenery, and lifestyle from about 400 years ago.
Visitors can also dress up as samurai, ninjas, or maiko (apprentice geisha). Walking through the recreated streetscape in period costume will make you feel as if you've time-traveled to that era. Moreover, if you move your body at a facility where you can experience ninja training, you'll feel like you've become a real ninja.
Please experience the world of Japan from about 400 years ago at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura.
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura's Opening Hours and Access
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura's regular opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. Opening hours may change depending on the season or events. Please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
There are several ways to access Toei Uzumasa Eigamura. From Kyoto Station, the most recommended method is to take the JR Sagano Line and get off at "Hanazono Station." This method is the most convenient as there are no transfers, making it easy to arrive even if you're not familiar with the road conditions. It's about a 13-minute walk from Hanazono Station.
Entry to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is allowed until 60 minutes before closing time. As there are many attractions, it's advisable to visit with plenty of time to spare.
5 Must-Try Experiences at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
Traditional Streetscape That Feels Like Time-Traveling to Ancient Japan
Source: Official website
When you step into Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, a traditional streetscape spreads out before you, making you feel as if you've time-traveled to ancient Japan. The town houses and shops from about 400 years ago, during the 265-year-long Edo period, are recreated, allowing you to walk through scenery typically seen in period dramas.
Among the stone-paved roads and wooden buildings, cast members dressed as samurai and ninjas walk around the village, further enhancing the atmosphere. Visitors can experience Japanese history and culture while feeling like they've become part of a period drama themselves.
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura also offers kimono rentals. Walking around in a kimono will allow you to feel Japanese culture even more deeply.
Experience "Tate" (Staged Sword Fighting) Showcased in Movies and Period Dramas
Source: Official website
One absolute must-try experience at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is "Tate" (staged sword fighting) showcased in movies and period dramas. Tate refers to scenes where samurai or ninjas fight using swords, and it's one of the highlights of period dramas.
At the movie village, you can learn actual sword action under professional guidance. The thrill of wielding a sword and moving while maintaining distance from your opponent has a completely different intensity than watching it in movies or dramas.
Participating with family or friends is sure to be exciting. This valuable experience of directly feeling traditional Japanese action will become a special memory of your trip.
Explore the "Karakuri Ninja House" Full of Tricks
Source: Official website
Exploring the "Karakuri Ninja House" full of tricks is another must-try experience.
Ninjas were people who worked in espionage, sabotage, and assassinations in Japan 400 years ago. As their work was always life-threatening, their dwellings were designed with features allowing them to escape at any time.
This ninja house also has a maze-like structure and hidden tricks everywhere, making you feel like you've become a real ninja. You aim for the goal while looking for hidden doors and secret escape routes.
Learning about the tricks and tools used by ninjas while exploring the house is also attractive. This experience, enjoyable for both adults and children, will be one of the memorable activities at the movie village.
"Cursed Doll" - The Haunted House Known as the Most Terrifying in History
Source: Official website
One thrilling attraction you'll want to experience at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is the haunted house "Cursed Doll," known as the most terrifying in history.
This haunted house is a place where you can experience Japanese horror culture, with the terrifying presentation themed around Japanese dolls being particularly attractive. The decorations handled by Toho Films' art staff and the realistic acting by Toei actors plunge visitors into fear.
The actors playing the ghosts change their method of scaring according to each individual. The realism is so intense that you might become paralyzed with fear, unable to take a single step.
For foreign tourists, this is an excellent opportunity to experience uniquely Japanese fear. This thrill-packed haunted house is a particularly noteworthy activity in the movie village. Horror enthusiasts will be able to experience an unforgettable tension.
Seasonal Night Event "Uzumasa Edo Sakaba"
Source: Official website
The "Uzumasa Edo Sakaba" at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is an adult night festival event that can be enjoyed each season. While enjoying delicious Kyoto sake and meals from famous restaurants, you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts and culture.
It's a participatory event where you can converse with actors dressed as samurai at the "Ronin Bar" or get excited by period dramas unfolding before your eyes. Special performances such as the traditional Japanese performing art "Noh" or "Bon Odori" dance typically seen at Japanese summer festivals are held depending on the season, captivating visitors.
Participating in kimono will further enhance the mood, making you feel like a resident of the Edo period.
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura Has Many Specialties! 3 Recommended Restaurants in the Facility
Ramen Kiraku
Source: Official website
"Ramen Kiraku" is a shop where you can enjoy ramen, a popular Japanese food overseas as well.
The popular ramen here is "Mito Han Ramen." This ramen was recreated based on the theory that Mito Komon, a famous character in Japanese period dramas, "was the first to eat ramen in Japan." It's a light soy sauce-based ramen characterized by eating with several types of condiments.
The chopstick sleeve is designed with a sword illustration, with a mechanism allowing you to take out the chopsticks as if drawing a sword. Also, drinks are served in mugs designed after the "Goyo Chochin," an item used for public duties such as maintaining public order and law enforcement. You'll be able to enjoy your meal feeling like you're in the world of a period drama.
Location: Along Meiji Street inside Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: According to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura's business days
Phone: 075-864-7716
Kyo Udon Kaikatei
Source: Official website
"Kyo Udon Kaikatei" is proud of its handmade Kyoto udon noodles with special dashi broth.
Kyoto's udon is a dish where you can fully enjoy the umami of the dashi. Reflecting the tradition of Kyoto cuisine, it has a subtle and delicate seasoning that enhances the flavor of the ingredients.
The recommended dish is "Kyoto Kujo Negi Udon," topped with plenty of Kujo green onions, a traditional Kyoto vegetable. You can enjoy the perfect balance between the sweetness and crispy texture of Kujo green onions and the elegant, deep umami of the dashi made with kelp and bonito flakes.
Of course, you can enjoy your meal leisurely inside the shop, but if the weather is nice, it's also recommended to eat on the benches set up outside the shop. Please savor the delicious udon in a truly Japanese atmosphere.
Location: Along Meiji Street inside Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 - 16:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 9:30 - 17:00
Closed: According to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura's business days
Phone: 075-864-7746
NERV Cafe (Ninja Cafe)
Source: Official website
"NERV Cafe (Ninja Cafe)" is a unique cafe themed around ninjas.
It offers a variety of sweets related to ninja items, such as soft serve ice cream with cookies modeled after shuriken (throwing stars) that ninjas throw at enemies, and popcorn served in a senryobako (thousand-ryo box), a wooden box used to store money.
The food menu focuses on light meals. The ninja don (ninja rice bowl), created to imagine ninjas who are good at hiding, has beef hidden under shredded egg and nori seaweed. The curry bread shaped like a shuriken is also popular.
There are also collaboration menus with anime, which will be irresistibly fun for ninja lovers and anime fans.
Location: Attraction Plaza inside Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: According to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura's business days
Phone: 075-864-7716
Basic Information
Address: 10 Uzumasa Higashi-Hachiokacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: None
Phone: 0570-064-349
Official Website: https://www.toei-eigamura.com/
2 Tourist Spots to Visit Along with Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
Konoshimanimasu Amaterumitama Shrine (Kaiko no Yashiro)
"Konoshimanimasu Amaterumitama Shrine (Kaiko no Yashiro)," located about a 10-minute walk from Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, is a shrine that has long been worshipped as a god of rain prayers.
The highlight here is the rare form of torii gate called "Mitsubashira Torii." Usually, the torii standing at the entrance of shrines have two pillars. However, here the torii is constructed in a triangular pillar shape, and you pray towards the center from three directions.
The shrine's forest is thickly wooded, with a solemn air hanging about. When I actually visited, there was a cool air flowing around the Mitsubashira Torii, creating a mystical and majestic atmosphere that felt almost unapproachable.
It's a mystical place I'd like those who want to feel Japan's ancient beliefs and deep history in the quietness to visit.
Currently, there are fences in place, so you can't approach the torii closely. However, you can get close enough to enjoy taking photos and carefully observing its structure.
Address: 50-1 Uzumasa Moriganohigashicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Right at "Kaiko no Yashiro" station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 075-861-2074
Amazuka Kofun
About a 20-minute walk from Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, you’ll find the Amazuka Kofun. A "Kofun" refers to an ancient burial mound, where powerful individuals such as noble families and emperors were buried.
The Amazuka Kofun is believed to be the burial site of the Hata clan, who were influential in this region, and it is thought to have been constructed in the early 6th century. This site is particularly special because it’s the only place in Kyoto where you can freely enter and explore the burial chamber.
There’s a mystical and slightly eerie atmosphere here, offering visitors a unique experience. If you’re interested in archaeology or ancient Japanese culture, this is a spot worth visiting.
It’s relatively uncrowded, making it a great destination for those who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
Address: 18 Uzumasa Matsumoto-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Access: 10-minute walk from "Kaikonoyashiro" station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad
Hours: Open 24 hours